[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Dan...when you say, "level match..." are you referring to the level dial on the front of the player? Currently, I used the fixed volume. I am not using the variable and do not use the level feature on the face of the player.

David.......You can level match the outputs of the two players in two ways. One way is to use the variable outputs and the volume control on the front of each player along with your meters on the C2500. Play a test tone CD in each player and adjust the volume control on the C2500 until you reach a specific meter reading, lets say -40dB exactly with both players' volume controls set to 82% on their respective displays. As you switch between the two players on your C2500 make adjustment in one player's volume control, either up or down, until its output matches exactly the other player. Just because both players display a number for volume is no absolute assurance the output levels are identical. McIntosh is good at making these levels accurate but to ensure they truly are accurate you need to check and adjust output accordingly.

An alternate way to adjust output level is to use the fixed outputs of both players, play a test tone CD, adjust your C2500 volume until you reach a specific level on the meters, lets say -40dB. Switch between the two players while watching the meters. Any difference in output level can then be adjusted by raising or lowering the Trim control via the C2500 remote for one player's input on the C2500. Check both players again while watching the meters to make sure the levels are matched. Either method I described is effective.

Without accurate level matching your A/B comparison of the MCD1100 and the MCD550 will be skewed, usually in favor of the player that is the loudest, even if the difference is only minor.